2004 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 5,326 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Impala (304 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318.
Because 2004 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Impala, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Chevrolet Impala (438 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2006 Chevrolet Impala has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2006 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 318 | Impala |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5326 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 304 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 438 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
